Gerne: Drama/Crime
Release Date: 2022
Language: Hindi
Aashram (English: Hermitage) is a riveting Indian Hindi-language crime drama web series directed by Prakash Jha, available on the OTT platform MX Player. The series is produced under Prakash Jha Productions and features an ensemble cast including Bobby Deol, Aaditi Pohankar, Darshan Kumar, and Chandan Roy Sanyal, among others. The screenplay is crafted by a team of writers comprising Madhvi Bhatt, Avinash Kumar, Sanjay Masoomm, Tejpal Singh Rawat, and Kuldeep Ruhil. The first season was released on August 28, 2020, and its success led to the rapid release of subsequent seasons in November 2020 and June 2022, with a fourth season announced for 2023. The story is set against the backdrop of an ashram led by a godman named Baba Nirala, played by Bobby Deol, who deceptively manipulates his followers for personal gain.
The narrative delves into the dark underbelly of blind faith and exploitation, portraying Baba Nirala as a cunning conman who commands unwavering loyalty from his followers, predominantly from marginalized sections of society. He manipulates his devotees to donate their wealth to him and remain bound to his ashram, effectively controlling their lives. The series also highlights the political machinations involving Baba Nirala, as politicians Hukum Singh and the current Chief Minister Sundar Lal seek his endorsement to secure votes from his vast follower base. The plot thickens with the inclusion of a pop singer, Tinka Singh, who collaborates with Baba Nirala to boost his music career, further increasing the godman’s influence.
Amidst this backdrop of deceit and manipulation, the story introduces SI Ujagar Singh, a disinterested police officer who becomes involved in investigating the suspicious activities surrounding Baba Nirala’s ashram. His transformation from a passive law enforcer to an active investigator is spurred by Dr. Natasha and journalist Akhivendra Rathi, who push him to look into a case involving a skeleton found on the property of an industrial group linked to Sundar Lal. Along with his assistant senior constable Sadhu Sharma, Ujagar Singh’s pursuit of truth sets the stage for a gripping confrontation with the sinister forces at play within the ashram, making Aashram a compelling watch that blends crime, drama, and socio-political commentary.